Jessica Simpson's first TV performance in 15 years on 'American Idol' panned as an 'absolute train wreck'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jessica Simpson returned to television for the first time in 15 years during the finale of 'American Idol' Season 23.

The 44-year-old singer, donning a silver metallic gown and debuting a new blonde hair color, performed her new single 'Blame' and a duet of her 2005 rendition of Nancy Sinatra’s 'These Boots Are Made for Walking' with previously eliminated contestant Josh King.

'American Idol' celebrates Jessica Simpson's 'fierce return' to TV after 15 years

'American Idol' host Ryan Seacrest introduced the performance by revealing it was Jessica Simpson’s first TV appearance in over a decade, according to TV Insider.

Ahead of the event, Simpson shared her look on Instagram, writing, “American Idol Rehearsal 💫,” alongside a clip with her new song 'Use My Heart Against Me' playing in the background.

The show’s official Instagram account posted, “A fierce return from a pop queen and @officialjoshking! 💄👢 @jessicasimpson #AmericanIdol.” King added in the comments, “It was an absolute honor to perform with Jessica!!!”

Jessica Simpson's TV comeback follows the release of her EP 'Nashville Canyon, Part 1'

Jessica Simpson's comeback followed the release of her 2025 EP 'Nashville Canyon, Part 1', which she wrote during her split from husband Eric Johnson.

“I got thrown a real twist of fate in the middle of making this record,” she told People in February. “My heart was completely broken. I had to continue to focus on the music. Thank God, I had Nashville.”

“I have always said it was cheesy when people said the music saved my life but it truly saved mine,” Simpson said at the time.

She confirmed her separation from Johnson in January after a decade of marriage. The couple shares three children: Maxwell “Maxi” Drew, 12, Ace Knute, 11, and Birdie Mae, five.

Internet calls Jessica Simpson's 'American Idol' performance an 'absolute train wreck'

Despite receiving a standing ovation from judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie, social media users had a different reaction to Jessica Simpson’s performance.

Bryan’s expression during Simpson’s duet also caught the eye, with one X user writing, “Luke’s face during that Jessica Simpson performance is the epitome of cringe."

Criticizing the performance, a viewer commented, “Jessica Simpson was an absolute train wreck on American Idol tonight!!”

One YouTube user added, “There were some great performances during this show. This was NOT one of them....”

The backlash continued with comments like, “Her agent needed to protect her from doing this,” and “She was horrible. Never has been a good singer. What a train wreck.”

Another user remarked on X, “Now Jessica Simpson is struggling and fighting for her life singing her biggest hit ‘These Boots Were Made for Walking.’”

“Jessica Simpson. Where has your love gone? It's not in your music, so where has it gone then?” one more questioned. 

However, Simpson did find support from some fans. “I actually love this. She sings from her gut. And she looking fierce,” one person wrote on YouTube. Another admirer said, "Glad she is back doing what she loves, sounds and looks amazing. More of this please Jessica."

Notably, Mississippi PE teacher Jamal Roberts was announced as the winner of 'American Idol' Season 23. John Foster and Breanna Nix were the runners-up. 

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